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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Bergin was shot and killed by a mob while he was attempting to protect a prisoner.
The mob wanted to hang the prisoner for murdering local citizens. The mob hung the prisoner after shooting Deputy Bergin.
Deputy Bergin had served with the Colfax County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
144 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Bergin gave the Colfax County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Raton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Colfax County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 123 officers killed feloniously in NM, 63.7% of the 193 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1882, 1 officer in NM was killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 77 years on record. The heaviest was 1898, with 4.
In 1882, 45 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 143rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1882, 51 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 142nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 31. Of the 107 killed feloniously in NM whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 37. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 5.7% of these deaths in NM; February holds the most, 14.6%. Tuesdays: 6.5%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Colfax County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 63.7% of all 193 deaths in NM, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Colfax County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Colfax County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
